Leaf Muntjac (Leaf Deer) The Wildlife Conservation Society, based at the Bronx Zoo, says the animal is the world’s smallest deer species. Breeding. Muntjac are a small but stocky species of deer that stand at around 0.44 to 0.52m tall at the shoulder.When fully grown males (bucks) weigh between 10 to 18kg as adults and females (does) weigh 9 to16kg. Roe deer are easily startled – their rumps bounding through forests and crops are a familiar sight to walkers and cyclists. The Muntjac deer has no fixed breedin g season or rut. called barking deer because of their cry, muntjacs are solitary and nocturnal. There are a total of 15 different subspecies of barking deer. Indian muntjac deer, also known as the Mastreani deer, are small deer mainly found in Southern Asia. In this group the only the upper parts of the second and fifth digit metacarpals are present in the foreleg. Muntiacus reevesi. Protected in the UK under the Deer Act 1991. They like to be close to a water source. The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. Their body length ranges from 89-135 cm. 2 Roe deer. The Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), also called the red muntjac, common muntjac or barking deer, is the most numerous muntjac deer species. Muntiacus muntjak, also known as the Indian muntjac, have small antlers present in males which are relatively short with long burrs. About The small, Chinese muntjac deer was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire at the start of the 20th century and rapidly spread into the surrounding area. Lifespan: Oddly for a deer, but reflecting their subtropical homelands, muntjac breed all year round. Muntjaks also thrive very well in zoos. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Savannas are grasslands with scattered individual trees that do not form a closed canopy. Average lifespan: 10-13 years. Muntjac deer fact file. Origin & Distribution: Reeves’ muntjac are native to SE China, including Taiwan and Hainan. By comparison an average adult man in Britain is 1.77m high and weighs 79kg.Muntjac are a russet brown colour for most of the year, turning to a dull grey in winter.Characteristically, muntjac have a ‘hunched’ appearance, as their rumps are higher than their shoulders. Indian Muntjac… The average lifespan of a Père David deer is up to 18 years. The common name of this Muntjac is the barking deer. The Reeves Muntjac has a maximum lifespan of 16 years, although normally they live no more than 10 years in the wild. Muntjac deer are the eldest deer. If healthy, they can live up to 16 years for males in captivity and female greater than 20 years. They are small and cute but certainly not quiet. National Science Foundation Unlike other deer species, the Reeves Muntjac is capable of breeding throughout the year. Two areas were created; one with a large area containing a few Père David's deer present and one with a small area containing a high concentration of Père David's deer present. Convergent in birds. 2002. They are polyestrous with the estrous cycle lasting 14-21 days and the estrus lasting about 2 days. Sitka deer have been introduced to different areas as both an ornamental and game species. Unlike other deer species, this is exactly what they tend to be kept for. This material is based upon work supported by the After feeding, long periods are spent ‘lying up’ where the deer lie down to ruminate. Yes, it’s strange but true! Registered charity number 207238. Search in feature Muntjacs are omnivorous, feeding on herbs, fruit, birds' eggs, small animals, sprouts, seeds, and grasses. Reeves's muntjac (M. reevesi), in comparison, has a diploid number of 46 chromosomes. The muntjac deer was introduced into the UK from China in the 20th century. They can respond to their names when called, which should be given at a younger age. They are also known as barking deer due to their distinctive barking sound. History, distribution & habitat . The young leaves the mothers territory when it is just about six months old, after which it must fight for its own territory. Wild males 10 years and 13 years for a female. Chinese muntjacs create trails through their territory that they use for ease of movement, similar to white-tailed deer of North America ( Odocoileus virginianus ). "Muntiacus muntjak" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Muntjac deer are one of the few species of deer, and probably the only obtainable one, that can be kept as house pets because they reach the size of a medium-sized dog. The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! Lifespan is estimated as up to six years. Although they are adorable to look at, these animals know how to fend for themselves! Muntjac deer is also widely known as the barking deer, due its unique cry that resembles the bark of a dog. Muntjac habitat includes rain forests, areas of dense vegetation, hilly country, and monsoon forests. Grants DRL 0089283, DRL 0628151, DUE 0633095, DRL 0918590, and DUE 1122742. Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjac Measurements: Head-Body Length- 70 to 80 cm Shoulder Height- 30 to 40 cm Weight- 15-20 kg Physical Appearance The Indian Muntjac is like all Muntjac species of deer a small and delicate looking animal. reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female. Vegetation is made up mostly of grasses, the height and species diversity of which depend largely on the amount of moisture available. The ADW Team gratefully acknowledges their support. They are not restricted to a narrow rutting period. Protected in the UK under the Deer Act 1991. The color of the coat is golden tan on the dorsal side, white on the ventral side, and the limbs and face are dark brown. Muntjac deer are the smallest deer in Britain, about the size of a labrador dog. e) Musk deer facts. The average lifespan of a Père David deer is up to 18 years. Muntjac deer is also widely known as the barking deer, due its unique cry that resembles the bark of a dog. The Indian muntjac (M. muntjak) is the mammal with the lowest recorded chromosome number: The male has a diploid number of 7, the female only 6 chromosomes. The exact lifespan of the various species of muntjac deer is not known, but males usually live between 15 and 20 years. 1999. The doe (female) can give birth to fawn (young) and may conceive in any month of the year. They have been introduced in Texas, the Andaman Islands, and on Lombok. Grzimek's Enclopedia of Mammals (vol.5). Hunters of pheasants in India can rely on the barking noises made by the muntjac as a warning signal of an approaching predator. Muntjac Deer lifespan and different subspecies are The exact lifespan of the various species of muntjac deer is not known, but males usually live between 15 and 20 years. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control. Find out where to see one of the most dramatic and impressive animal displays in…, Although introduced by the Normans, the fallow deer has been here so long that it is considered naturalised. The muntjac itself can be hunted for its meat and skins. Jackson, A. During the rut their home ranges overlap for a short period. They may bark for more than an hour to make a predator show itself or leave the area. It has gained a stronghold in South East England, where it can cause damage to our woods through browsing. The IUCN rates the species Lower Risk, Least Concern. Accessed January 08, 2021 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Muntiacus_muntjak/. The aim of this guide is to assist in the identification of muntjac deer, specifically in comparison to roe deer, and provide guidance on control of the species in Scotland. They will constantly play with each other, or with humans. Up to 40% of fawns die within the first four weeks of life. Classification, To cite this page: This in turn can lead to a loss of food sources as well as a loss of wood that can be used to provide shelter. They were deliberately released into surrounding woodlands from 1901 onwards, but there have been numerous releases, translocations, and escapes. Indian Muntjac Muntiacus muntjac Measurements: Head-Body Length- 70 to 80 cm Shoulder Height- 30 to 40 cm Weight- 15-20 kg Physical Appearance The Indian Muntjac is like all Muntjac species of deer a small and delicate looking animal. Their belly is creamy-white, with lighter fur extending to the neck, chin, and the underside of the tail. Muntjac deer are the eldest deer. gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate), Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, © 2020 Regents of the University of Michigan. In the wild this tends to be 10 years for a male and 13 years for a female. found in the oriental region of the world. The gestation period lasts from 209 to 220 days and females give birth to 1 or 2 fawns. Epiphytes and climbing plants are also abundant. Additional support has come from the Marisla Foundation, UM College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Museum of Zoology, and Information and Technology Services. Precipitation is typically not limiting, but may be somewhat seasonal. When to see January to December. Muntjac Deer. However, the other animal must be a male without complete antlers. Indian muntjac deer, also known as the Mastreani deer, are small deer mainly found in Southern Asia. Lifespan: Known to live at least six years. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Different types of protected wildlife sites. Chinese water deer were first kept at London Zoo in 1873 but escaped from Whipsnade Zoo in 1929. 1990. Barking Deer Muntjac deer fall in the category of those deer that are shy and elusive. Indian muntjacs are amongst the oldest known deer species, with their fossils date back 15 to 35 million years ago. These males are not aggressive nor are they ready to mate. Roe deer are easily startled – their rumps bounding through forests and crops are a familiar sight to walkers and cyclists. The males tend to be larger than the females. When you come visit you might confuse them for a dog. This native British deer is rusty brown in the summer months, turning grey, pale brown or sometimes black in winter. However, in captivity, they’re capable of a much longer lifespan of around 17 years, on average. Muntjac are of great interest in evolutionary studies because of their dramatic chromosome variations and the recent discovery of several new species. When they sense the presence of a predator, they emit sounds that sound like a dog barking. called barking deer because of their cry, muntjacs are solitary and nocturnal. September evening Suffolk. The muntjac may bark more frequently when its ability to see its surroundings is reduced as a result of the evironment. Meet our Reeve's Muntjac Deer. Reeves's muntjacs are native to East Asia. Reeves's muntjacs have a polygynous mating system. Muntjac Deer are generally shy, and they tend to live in thick woods, they are used to a cold and cool climate. animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature. Invasive, non-native species. Hear stags roar and see them clash antlers this autumn. The buck (male) may pair-up with a female during courtship, and in rare cases remain close to the doe and fawn for a period of several months. Taxon Information Help us improve the site by taking our survey. Muntjac Deer lifespan and different subspecies are. Males are slightly larger than […] They have a deep reddish-brown glossy coat. In the first year of life, the female muntjac reaches sexual maturity. Conservation status. Some of their predators include pythons, jackals, tigers, leopards, and crocodiles. A terrestrial biome found in temperate latitudes (>23.5° N or S latitude). Unlike other deer species, the Reeves Muntjac is capable of breeding throughout the year. A study done in 1987 showed that there are 140,000-150,000 Muntiacus muntjak in China. They use their canines to bite and their forelegs to deliver strong blows in order to catch small warm-blooded animals. Chinese water deer are active throughout the 24-hour period with the peak time of activity around dusk. The small antlers with three prongs on males are known as tines. Common name - Muntjac deer (often called Reeves Muntjac); Scientific name - muntiacus reevesi; Size - smallest of all UK deer, adults stand approximately 45cm at the shoulder and have an average weight range of between 10 - 16kg. Category: Deer. having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Common Name: Reeves's muntjac. The small antlers with three prongs on males are known as tines. The majority of adult doe are constantly pregnant during there 8-12 year lifespan in the wild. The Muntjac (Muntiacinae, Cervidae) is one of the phylogenetically oldest species of deer and can be found in many (Asian) countries. The bark muntjac, leaf deer or Putao muntjac (Muntiacus putaoensis) is a small species of muntjac. Muntjac Lifespan. The adult male and female muntjacs are solitary. They are known to develop very quickly after birth. The majority of adult doe are constantly pregnant during there 8-12 year lifespan in the wild. Average Lifespan: 10 to 14 years Average Height/Weight: 45 to 52 cm, 20 to 25 lb Best Aspect: Affectionate and love to play Biggest Downside: Bark/scream. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. Origin & Distribution: The Chinese water deer is native to E China (Yangtze flood plain) and Korea. They usually bear just one young at a time. Mating Habits & Reproduction . These deer also posses tusklike upper canines measuring about 1 inch long in males. The deer can jump up to 6 feet, therefore, it is advised to build at least a 6 foot high fence when constructing their enclosure. Disclaimer: They were introduced to Woburn Park, Bedfordshire, in 1896, and Whipsnade Zoo in 1929-30. The muntjac … scrub forests develop in areas that experience dry seasons. The reason for the latter name is their alarm call, which seems very much similar to the barking of a dog. Muntjac deer, also called the mastreani deer, is a group of small deer found mainly in Southern Asia. Muntjac deer side look at dusk. Family: Cervidae. Muntjac are of great interest in evolutionary studies because of their dramatic chromosome variations and the recent discovery of several new species. About The small, Chinese muntjac deer was introduced to Woburn Park in Bedfordshire at the start of the 20th century and rapidly spread into the surrounding area. Average lifespan: 10-13 years. forest biomes are dominated by trees, otherwise forest biomes can vary widely in amount of precipitation and seasonality. When they sense the presence of a predator, they emit sounds that sound like a dog barking. A grassland with scattered trees or scattered clumps of trees, a type of community intermediate between grassland and forest. Species of Deer name: Average LifeSpan: Moose: 15-25years: Elk: 10-13 years: Reindeer: 15-18years: Roe deer: 10years: Red Deer: 10-13years: Sambar Deer: 20-26years: Muntjac Deer: 13-16years (males)Less than 20years: White tail deer: 6-14years In the wild, the average barking deer lives between 10-12 years, generally speaking. the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic. The muntjac deer was introduced into the UK from China in the 20th century. Lifespan: Oddly for a deer, but reflecting their subtropical homelands, muntjac breed all year round. They have a short coat of hair. Muntjac Deer come from China and Southern Asia. Red deer have a lifespan of up to 18 years. A terrestrial biome. Muntjac Deer New York, St. Louis, San Francisco: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. The females have tufts of hair and small bony knobs that are in the location of the antlers in males. Mating Habits & Reproduction . Life Span: Up to 16 years for males in captivity and female >20 years. Unlike other deer species Reeve's Muntjac are capable of breeding throughout the year, and are not restricted to a narrow rutting period. The Muntjac deer has no fixed breedin g season or rut. They also display both diurnal and nocturnal activity. Muntjacs, also known as barking deer and Mastreani deer, are small ruminant of the genus muntiacus. Topics The body is small and compact, and the legs short and slender. It is found in dense forest habitats at an elevation of 1500 – 2000 feet, where it s solitary and eats mostly fruit. 2. In some areas, where the population is large, they destroy a large number of trees by tearing off the bark. A deer that sounds like a dog? Contributor Galleries This means that males mate with more than one female during each breeding season. The name Muntjac originates from the Sudanese “mencek”, which means small deer. How Long Does the Reeves Muntjac Deer Live? Walker's Mammals of the World. They have spots into adulthood; They can live up to 25 years; As a very social species, if they are kept alone, they will need a lot of attention and socialization. Muntjac Deer Red List Classification: GB: ... Lifespan: Up to 16 years for males in captivity and female >20 years. Small, secretive and constantly on the move, the muntjac is a challenging quarry for the deer stalker. When to see January to December. Endothermy is a synapomorphy of the Mammalia, although it may have arisen in a (now extinct) synapsid ancestor; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities. The Reeve's Muntjac has a maximum lifespan of 16 years, although normally they live no more than 10 years in the wild. Red deer have a lifespan of up to 18 years. They reach sexual maturity at about 14 months. 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